Naom Wafula in action during the Johnnie Walker Classic, the sixth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club on Monday, 13th October 2025.

By DANIELLA APIYO

Kenyan professional golfer Naom Wafula is set to make her debut on the Sunshine Ladies Tour this week in South Africa, marking a historic milestone in her career after earning a playing card to the prestigious continental tour for professional lady golfers. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

The card grants her access to this year’s Sunshine Ladies Tour following a consistent and impressive showing at the recently concluded inaugural season on the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing.

Naomi left Kenya for South Africa on Sunday, ahead of her debut at the Sunshine Ladies Tour this week where she will feature as the only East African.

She will tee off her Sunshine Ladies Tour journey at the SuperSport Ladies Challenge, scheduled for this week from 4th to 6th February 2026 at Humewood Golf Club. The 54-hole tournament carries a prize purse of R1.3 million (approximately KES 10.4 million) and has attracted a field of 56 professional golfers.

The field features players from 15 countries, including South Africa, Canada, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Finland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Czech Republic, Swaziland, United States Virgin Islands and Kenya.

Speaking ahead of her debut, Wafula said she feels ready for the step up, crediting the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing for her preparation and growth.

“I feel well prepared going into my first Sunshine Ladies Tour event. Playing on the Sunshine Development Tour gave me regular competitive golf, exposure to strong fields and helped me understand what is required at the next level. I am excited to test myself and continue learning as I take this next step in my career,” she said.

Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing Chairman, Peter Gacheru said Wafula’s progression reflects the purpose and impact of the Tour.

“Naom’s debut on the Sunshine Ladies Tour is exactly what the Sunshine Development Tour was created to achieve. She earned this opportunity through consistent performance and merit. It is a proud moment for Kenyan and East African golf and a clear demonstration that the pathway we have built is working,” said Gacheru.

Following the SuperSport Ladies Challenge, Wafula is scheduled to compete in several more Sunshine Ladies Tour events, including the NTT Data Ladies Pro Am from 13 – 15 February at Fancourt Montagu, the Standard Bank Ladies Open from 5 – 7 March at Durbanville Golf Club, and the Jabra Ladies Classic from 11–13 March at Killarney Country Club.

Her season will continue with the Platinum Ladies Open from 18 – 20 March at Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate, the Absa Ladies Invitational from 26 – 28 March at Royal Johannesburg, the Joburg Ladies Open from 16 – 19 April at Randpark Golf Club, the Investec SA Women’s Open from 23 –  26 April at Royal Cape Golf Club, and the MCB Ladies Classic from 1 – 3 May 2026.

Wafula’s Sunshine Ladies Tour debut marks another historic step for Kenyan women’s golf and highlights the growing role of the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing as a pathway to global professional tours. Naom made history by becoming the first Kenyan golfer to earn a card to play at the Sunshine Ladies Tour.

Michael Karanga receives his trophy from KGU Chairman Chris Kinuthia after winning the 2025 NCBA Nanyuki Open

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

The inaugural NCBA Nanyuki Open 2025 concluded in thrilling fashion at the scenic Nanyuki Sports Club, with Michael Karanga capturing the tournament’s first-ever title. The event, which drew 74 top amateurs with a handicap limit of 13.5, delivered on its promise of world-class golf against the backdrop of Mt. Kenya. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Karanga, currently ranked 70th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, showcased his trademark consistency and sharp play to outlast a competitive field. Among the top contenders were John Lejirma, Elvis Muigua, and Ebill Omollo, who pushed the champion all the way in a fiercely contested tournament.

The championship featured a prize purse of Kes 500,000, underscoring the NCBA Nanyuki Open’s growing stature and solidifying its place on the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) circuit. Beyond the competition, the event spotlighted Nanyuki Sports Club’s rich golfing tradition, challenging course, and panoramic views, while also offering fans a weekend of sport, community, and hospitality.

During the prize-giving ceremony, the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) announced the four-man national team set to represent the country at the Africa Region IV Championship in Antananarivo, Madagascar, from 25th to 29th November 2025.

The team includes:

• John Lejirma (Captain) – Reigning Kenya No. 1, ranked 74th in the WAGR. Winner of seven KAGC titles this season.Michael Karanga – Ranked 70th WAGR, winner of five titles this year including the Kenya Amateur Match Play Championship, securing him a spot at the 2026 Magical Kenya Open.
• Elvis Muigua – Three-time champion this year, currently ranked 418th WAGR.
• Junaid Ayaz Manji – Kenya’s top junior golfer, ranked 822nd WAGR, with two titles in 2025 and captain of the junior team at the All Africa Junior Golf Team Championship.

The same trio of Lejirma, Karanga, and Muigua delivered victory for Kenya in Kigali last year. With Junaid now strengthening the side, confidence is high for a successful title defense under Coach Saleem Haji.

Speaking after the announcement, the KGU Chairman said:

“This team reflects the strength and depth of Kenyan golf at both senior and junior levels. We are confident they will rise to the occasion and bring the trophy back home.”

Karanga, celebrating both his Nanyuki Open victory and his place on the national team, added:

“Winning the inaugural NCBA Nanyuki Open is a proud moment. I’m equally honored to represent Kenya once again, and we are determined to make the country proud in Madagascar.”

With the success of the NCBA Nanyuki Open, the Kenya Golf Union and NCBA Group have set a strong foundation for the event to become a permanent fixture on the KAGC calendar, promising even greater competition and opportunities for Kenya’s golfing talent in the years to come.